Translation guide
A traditional Japanese children's game played with thick paper or cardboard cards, where players slap their card onto the ground to flip over opponents' cards. Known as menko.
Referring to the game where players slap cards to flip others
The most common name for this traditional game. Can refer to both the game and the cards used.
子供の頃、よくめんこをして遊んだ。
When I was a child, I often played menko.
Kanji form of menko, less common but still used.
面子遊びは昭和の子供たちに人気だった。
Menko play was popular among children in the Showa era.
Referring to the thick circular or rectangular cards themselves
Same word as the game; context distinguishes whether it means the game or the cards.
このめんこはとても分厚い。
This menko card is very thick.
Explicitly refers to the cards, but rarely used; menko alone is sufficient.
古い面子札をコレクションしている。
I collect old menko cards.
Describing the action of playing this game
Standard way to say 'play menko'.
放課後、友達とめんこをした。
After school, I played menko with my friends.
Emphasizes it as a form of play; slightly more descriptive.
祖父はめんこ遊びの思い出を語った。
My grandfather talked about his memories of playing menko.
Menko was especially popular from the Edo period through the mid-20th century. Cards often featured popular characters, sumo wrestlers, or military motifs. Today it is mostly a nostalgic pastime.